The U's advanced to the next round of the Johnson's Paint Trophy with a 1-0 at Gillingham tonight.
Colchester Unitd advanced to the next round of the Johnson's Paint Trophy this evening as Mark Yeates' goal saw off Gillingham at The Priestfield Stadium.
Caretaker manager Kit Symons made two changes to the side that had lost at the weekend with Steven Gillespie replacing Kem Izzet in the line-up while Mark Cousins took over from Dean Gerken in goal. The formation remained the same though with same 4-5-1 formation that served them so well in their last game away at Tranmere Rovers.
Under-fire Gill boss dropped former U's defender Garry Richards to the bench but experienced keeper Simon Royce was between the sticks while Mark Bentley had played against the U's for Southend United in the past.
U's captain on the night Dean Hammond had an early chance but his effort from Gillespie's through ball was blocked for a corner.
United keeper Cousins was forced in to an excellent save to prevent Albert Jarrett putting the home side ahead from a 30 yard freekick. Hammond maybe should have put the U's ahead after Royce could only parry Yeates' low ball in to the box but the former Brighton man could only hold his head in his hands as he headed over with the keeper desperately trying to get to his feet.
Just before the break the home side went close twice in quick succession. Jarrett again tested out the young U's keeper who was equal to the shot from the edge of the post before he was confident enough to leave Nicky Southall's dipping effort to continue its path over the crossbar.
United's free-kick specialist Mark Yeates then took over the show. He had an early second half attempt from 30 yards out that he got over the wall but also over the bar but when given a second invitation on the hour mark he made no mistake and left Royce with no chance.
From there, United killed the game off with the home side having little in the way of notable opportunities. Yeates fired over when perhaps David Perkins was better placed but apart from that, neither side created much more as the U's continued on the journey that might eventually lead to the day out at Wembley Stadium
U's: Cousins, White, Reid, Heath, Borrowdale, Yeates, Hammond, Perkins, Jackson, Platt, Gillesipe (Vernon 89)
Subs not used: Gerken, Izzet, Baldwin, and Wordsworth
Gills: Royce, Fuller, King, Mills, Nutter, Southall, Weston, Bentley, Jarrett (Richards 81), Jackson (Pugh 75), Barcham (Murphy 75)
Subs not used: Kiely and Lewis